The fate of Peshawar Fashion Week
The PFW has been postponed indefinitely due to political concerns and security reasons.
KARACHI:
The Peshawar Fashion Week (PFW), which was initially scheduled to take place in September — right after Eid — has been postponed indefinitely due to political concerns and security reasons, as cited by Usman Aman, the International Relations Manager for National Fashion and Arts Council (NFAC), Peshawar.
In an interview with The Express Tribune, Aman details plans about the upcoming event, while also explaining why it was postponed in the first place.
What is the major reason for the postponement?
The reason, as I see it, is the threat to the organisers from radical groups in the city.
When is it expected to take place now?
I cannot specify a date as the show has been postponed upon the request of the local government.
What is the official stance of the Ministry of Culture in Peshawar?
All the government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Corporation of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), support the event as it not only encourages the trade of fabric and fashion but is also an opportunity to promote tourism and culture — both nationally and internationally.
How responsive do you think locals will be to a Fashion Week in Peshawar?
So far we have received a positive response. Through this event the world will know that people of Pakistan, particularly from Peshawar, are peace-loving citizens.
In your opinion, what exactly is the purpose of holding this Fashion Week?
Primarily, the Fashion Week will attract revenue and investment for K-P’s tourism and cottage industries along with promoting a soft image of the region. However, another important aspect of holding this fashion week is to endorse and support new talent on a national scale.
I’m convinced that the PFW will play a part in boosting the economy of the province and of Pakistan in general. In my opinion, the main reason behind the PFW is to reclaim the confidence lost due to the war on terror. NFAC, being a regional organisation, can cater to those craftsmen who do not understand other languages and introduce them to international buyers.
Which designers are participating in the PFW?
From the local industry, designers including Ali Xeeshan, Mohsin Ali, Ainee Khawaja and Yasmina Aman along with Mohammad Ali and Hameeda from K-P are participating in the event. From the international circle, May Chay from Malaysia, RS Danny, HP Closet and Irene Hoon from Singapore have been extended an invitation, while international models including Laverne Asante, Kim Kotter and Spice Gabriel will be walking the ramp.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.
The Peshawar Fashion Week (PFW), which was initially scheduled to take place in September — right after Eid — has been postponed indefinitely due to political concerns and security reasons, as cited by Usman Aman, the International Relations Manager for National Fashion and Arts Council (NFAC), Peshawar.
In an interview with The Express Tribune, Aman details plans about the upcoming event, while also explaining why it was postponed in the first place.
What is the major reason for the postponement?
The reason, as I see it, is the threat to the organisers from radical groups in the city.
When is it expected to take place now?
I cannot specify a date as the show has been postponed upon the request of the local government.
What is the official stance of the Ministry of Culture in Peshawar?
All the government institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Corporation of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), support the event as it not only encourages the trade of fabric and fashion but is also an opportunity to promote tourism and culture — both nationally and internationally.
How responsive do you think locals will be to a Fashion Week in Peshawar?
So far we have received a positive response. Through this event the world will know that people of Pakistan, particularly from Peshawar, are peace-loving citizens.
In your opinion, what exactly is the purpose of holding this Fashion Week?
Primarily, the Fashion Week will attract revenue and investment for K-P’s tourism and cottage industries along with promoting a soft image of the region. However, another important aspect of holding this fashion week is to endorse and support new talent on a national scale.
I’m convinced that the PFW will play a part in boosting the economy of the province and of Pakistan in general. In my opinion, the main reason behind the PFW is to reclaim the confidence lost due to the war on terror. NFAC, being a regional organisation, can cater to those craftsmen who do not understand other languages and introduce them to international buyers.
Which designers are participating in the PFW?
From the local industry, designers including Ali Xeeshan, Mohsin Ali, Ainee Khawaja and Yasmina Aman along with Mohammad Ali and Hameeda from K-P are participating in the event. From the international circle, May Chay from Malaysia, RS Danny, HP Closet and Irene Hoon from Singapore have been extended an invitation, while international models including Laverne Asante, Kim Kotter and Spice Gabriel will be walking the ramp.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2011.